In our next installment of Movie Quote Monday - we go under the sea for inspiration!

Anyone who is in the midst of a job search knows that it can be a lonely and frustrating venture. The one thing that I am surprised at is that I don’t see more pairing up of job seekers to support, coach and keep each other motivated ( and honest) during a job search. Nothing formal; maybe a weekly coffee or phone call to develop a plan, share ideas and being held accountable to someone else for your progress. Many times I hear of job seekers who sit in the “home office” which is usually the converted garage or a room in the basement. This can be pretty depressing and not really a way to stay motivated or positive during a job search.

All too many times during a job search the only outside interaction is with strangers at a networking event, job fair or an interview. The majority of the time is spent alone- thinking, planning and over processing of the job search. This leads to frustration and depression which can then show up in other ways in your job search such as during an interview or meeting with a hiring manager where you may appear a bit anxious.

Finding a job is a stressful time that pulls on many skills, talents and energies. It has been acquainted with many other major stressful times in your life – having a family, marriage, death. This is especially true now with unemployment so high. Yet so many folks take the venture so lightly – what I mean by lightly is that I rarely see anyone taking the time to truly plan out their job search, find the resources necessary to support them, nor take advantage of a fellow job seeker to help them along.

I frequently make this suggestion in the Military and Government Agency Transition classes that I teach because this is a perfect opportunity to find an Exit Buddy. These class participants are facing even bigger challenges with developing a career search that encompasses a few morehurdles than those moving between jobs in the private sector.

Again, these meetings are along the lines of progress reports, keeping you honest, listening and supporting each other and to give you fresh ideas when you are stumped.

Dory and Marlin had very different skills sets and views on life. They each had life experiences that they shared with each other and provided necessary inspiration to overcome obstacles. Your exit buddy can do that for you.